I’ve been invited by “perpetual romantic” – and talented author of romantic fiction featuring gorgeously sexy heroes, Georgina Troy, to take part in the Writing Process Blog Tour. Now I’ve mentioned the ‘sexy heroes’, however, I’ve no doubt you will be scooting off to check them out. You can find out all about Georgina’s fabulous Jersey Romance Series here

As part of this fantastic tour, I’ve been asked to answer the following questions. I’ll try to not to be too boring!

What am I working on?

Promotion, extremely hard. My fifth book, published through Safkhet Publishing, Learning to Love – Exploring the Fragility of Love, Life and Relationships, was released as a print copy on Valentine’s Day and my next book, a thriller, entitled The Edge of Sanity releases 30 April. I do have a work in progress, featuring a quite tasty but tormented war hero, Captain Buckley-Golder, and a heroine who’s not quite of the right social class for his high society family – or so she believes. Reinventing herself turns out to be a little trickier than Cyndi has anticipated though, particularly as she’s about to marry the man of her dreams and has neglected to mention her own embarrassing family.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I think we all strive for that unique selling point, not easily achievable with so many talented authors out there. Those who have read my books would know I like to write romantic comedy because I feel drawn to portray characters readers can relate to and laugh (and cry) with as they fall over life’s little obstacles, because the reader is empathising with the character, because they’ve been there. As my writing has grown, however, my books would now probably be better described as poignant romantic fiction. One of my previous books, Somebody to Love, for instance, turns around a single father, his autistic son and his Autism Assistance Dog. I wanted to reflect the ups and the downs, the humour, as well as the heartbreak, of caring for a special needs child. The reviewer feedback was, and continues to be, truly heart-warming. My latest book, Learning to Love, started life as a short story, entitled The Memory Box – the theme of which was bereavement in childhood, which was accepted by the Birmingham City University to be published in their Anthology. Again, not the easiest of subjects to choose. Reader feedback, though, has been wonderfully encouraging and I can honestly say it inspires me to keep writing, from the heart.

Why do I write what I do?

I think I did start writing as a catharsis to my own life events. Aware that we all share themes in common, loss, love, betrayal, heartbreak and happiness, however, I decided I wanted to tell all our stories; stories around those events, but also looking at the comedic moments in life which often help us cope – and, of course, the romance. I think we need romance now more than ever, hope that good can win over evil, that there can be a happily ever after. Relationships are rarely perfect, but reading about a couple overcoming the many obstacles life throws at them is inspiring and satisfying. Romance highlights love, that which sets us apart as humans and which every human craves and needs. Love is universal and timeless. Love inspires, art, music. Love, particularly unrequited or lost love, can also drive us to passionate acts of despair or even madness. Through love we see all human emotion. For me love, and the joy/pain surrounding it, is fundamental to a story about people. If it was good enough for Shakespeare…

How does my writing process work?

Oh, dear… I’m a strike while the iron’s hot sort of person and, sadly, therefore, try as I might I struggle to maintain a strict routine. I really need to write while the passion is flowing, otherwise I find I get too tired. I foster disabled dogs so doggie demands tend to kick off the day, along with making sure everyone else is up and at it. I then spend an hour on social media, after which I buckle down to do some actual writing. It’s back to social media late in the evening and then I have a read before bed. Reading is essential in order to grow your own writing but, sadly, sometimes the frenetic agenda many writers have means that reading slips by the way. I do make an effort to fit it in, though, because I think it’s hugely important if you’re not to stagnate. The ideas process is a little different. Like many people, my ideas tend to come in the wee hours (why is that? Does the brain work better when you’re horizontal?), so then I spend half the night scrambling around for my pencil and pad.

So that’s me, all my secrets laid bare. I now have to nominate other authors to do the same! My nominations are…

Fabulous rom com writer and fellow author at Safkhet Publishing, Suzie Tullett!

Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic comedy. Her novels include Going Underground and Little White Lies and Butterflies, which was short-listed for The Guardian’s 2013 Not the Booker Prize. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist.

You can find Suzie on Twitter @SuzieTullett and at her website: http://suzietullett.com/

Loveahappyending Lifestyle colleague and inspiring YA Fantasy author, Stephanie Keyes!

Stephanie Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child, After Faerie, The Fallen Stars, and The Star Catcher, all from by Inkspell Publishing. Mrs. Keyes is hard at work on a new YA Paranormal Romance.

You can find Stephanie at Twitter @StephanieKeyes and at her website: http://www.stephaniekeyes.com/

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Keep safe!

Lots of love,